Seventeen people died in 24hrs in Kalay, in western Burma. Health officials confirmed that four of them had COVID-19 while there were thirteen suspected of having the virus.
According to a volunteer helping patients in the town located in Sagaing Region, most suffered from other health conditions. Additionally, they are facing a shortage of volunteers to bury everyone.
Three were from Tahan ward. The rest are from Chan Myae Aung Si and Aung Zayya ward in Kalay and Sakhangyi village.
According to Ko Pwi Yar, head of a COVID-19 treatment centre in a government housing building in Eiksup village, there are only 2 nurses and 7 volunteers caring for 251 people.
“There was no oxygen for the patients yesterday,” he said, explaining the generator in Kalay town couldn't keep up with the growing demand of cases who need incubating. He said they are sending patients in critical condition to Kalay Public Hospital.
The day Khonumthung News spoke with Ko Pwi Yar, he sent 10 patients who needed air to the hospital, where only 23 beds are available.
“We are trying to build an ICU room here. It is very upsetting to watch the patients suffering,” he said.
Many people infected with the pathogen are staying in their homes. According to volunteers, one hundred died in Kalay between May 24 to June 24.
